Kaduna bombing: Military vows to sanction officers responsible for accidental strike

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria is ready to sanction personnel found culpable in the deadly accidental drone strike that killed nearly 100 civilians in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Defence chief assured that the drone pilots found culpable at the end of an independent investigation ordered by President Bola Tinubu would not go scot-free

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, General Musa expressed regret over the unfortunate incident as he re-pledged the military’s will to continue to protect ordinary Nigerians.

“The incident in Kaduna is highly regrettable, it should not have been. Our mandate is to protect civilians, not to kill, maim or destroy.

“At that particular time, we were in the heat of pursuing some bandits within that general area and unfortunately this happened.

“I assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is here for Nigerians and we want Nigerians to take ownership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,’’ Musa said.

Recall that the Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday it has inaugurated an 8-man investigation panel into the December 3 accidental drone strike of the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State.

The move is part of the effort to unravel key facts behind the bombing that shocked the country and the international community.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier called for a detailed investigation into a military drone attack that killed at least 85 civilians in Kaduna State , northern Nigeria.

The strike, which was aimed at extremist terrorists operating in the state, is one of Nigeria’s deadliest military accidents.

Tinubu said “the bombing mishap” in Tundun Biri village was “very unfortunate, disturbing and painful,” his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.